Gala Fairydean Rovers 1

Cumbernauld Colts 2

Graeme McIver at Netherdale

ON-LOAN keeper Jordan Pettigrew broke home hearts on Saturday to deny Gala Fairydean Rovers a deserved share of the spoils in the Lowland League season opener at Netherdale.

Cumbernauld Colts signed the 18 year-old shot-stopper from Livingston in the summer and he produced a number of top class saves to ensure the three points went back to the west.

Netherdale has proved to be a happy hunting ground for the men from Broadwood Stadium in recent times after they came from behind against Selkirk to win the Lowland League Cup back in May.

However it was Dean Shanks' new look Gala who looked the brighter in the opening spell.

A number of players made their competitive debut for the Braw Lads including former Selkirk stalwarts Gregor Amos, Daryl Johnson Reece Donaldson, Sean McKirdy and Dale Baxter.

Returning to the club was Tommy Patterson who started in midfield whilst former Hawick Royal Albert striker Josh Morris was also making his first Lowland start for the home side and came close to firing Gala in front following good work from McKirdy in midfield.

However the visitors grabbed the lead after only eight minutes when Fraser kept his cool to fire past Amos following good work by Sean Brown.

Gala responded well but Pettigrew stopped a number of clear-cut opportunities before the break.

Shanks wrung the changes in the second half introducing youngster Kris Mitchell into the fray along with Billy Miller.

Gala found themselves deservedly level just after the hour mark thanks to a superb strike by Darren Smith.

The former Hibs and Airdrie man for once gave Pettigrew no chance with his fine finish.

Much to the frustration of the home side's new coaching team the Fairydean Rovers were only level for a minute.

A corner from the right found the un-marked Scott Davidson who powered home a header from six yards.

Gala flung everything into the match but time and again Pettigrew saved the visitors.

With just minutes remaining a Miller free-kick narrowly shaved the Colts post and the visitors held out for the three points.

Manager Shanks was disappointed with the result but pleased with the overall performance.

He said: "We cannot believe that we haven't taken something from that game.

"Gregor has hardly had a save to make whilst their keeper was man of the match.

"We are disappointed with the goals that we lost and we will be working hard in training to ensure we tighten up.

"We are down just now but we can be happy with aspects of our overall play and we have a number of good players at the club."

Gala Fairydean Rovers: G Amos, D Johnson, S Main, B Herdman, R Donaldson, D Smith, T Patterson (K Mitchell 50 ), Sean McKirdy, J Morris, R Craigie, Dale Baxter (B Miller 62) Subs: K Watson, L Stephen, A Crawford, F Neave, T Grainger